Can Paintball Tanks Explode? 6 Reasons Why Paintball Tanks Explode

Inside these tanks are high-pressure gasses, mainly CO2, allowing paintballs to be thrown that far. In some ways, they’re pretty much like fire extinguishers.

Many people get scared when they hear the news of this tank explosion. Most of you might still doubt this: Can paintball tanks explode?

The good news is we’ve got the answer for you.

So keep reading for more details!

Can Paintball Tanks Explode?

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Yes, the paintball tank can explode. The fact is that a few reported instances of the exploding and causing harm to others near the explosion. 

There are several reasons this part explode, including:

  • They Are Too Old
  • Poor Quality
  • Severely Damaged Tanks
  • Tanks Contain Oil
  • Overfilling the Tanks
  • Failure to Hydro Check

They Are Too Old

These tanks can last a long time, but not forever. If you’ve been using one for more than 10 years, it’s probably been too long.

Chances are it’s gone bad on the outside and inside, enough to make it unreliable. You’ll need to replace a too old tank, even if it looks “fine.”

Remember that a tank that is too old will not only no longer function as a signal to let you know that it is time to replace it. Instead, it will explode, which you will never want.

Poor Quality

It is wise to buy this part from reliable and reputable stores. While paintball can be a fun game, it is also a highly competitive sport that relies significantly on the use of powerful equipment.

Using poor quality or substandard equipment will not make you win the game. Worse, it can backfire and cause damage to you and other players.

Remember that what is in these tanks is not regular air. Instead, it’s the pressurized variety that’s constantly trying to push it out of the tank at all times.

Therefore, you will need to choose a tank that must be strong enough to withstand that constant pressure. Choose one of the products that have passed a series of tests before being marketed. So it’s wise to buy your gear from verified stores and avoid buying it online.

These tanks can last up to fifteen years if you care for and maintain them properly. We recommend spending a little extra money to own a quality model.

Severely Damaged Tanks

These tanks are specially designed to withstand both external and internal pressure. So it will be challenging to make dents on their surface. However, they are not invulnerable.

Hence, if you notice that your tank has dents, it is essential to replace it as soon as possible.

One trick is to check the paint. It is not a significant problem if you notice bumps or scratches on the paint surface. Yet, If you detect the damage underneath the paint, it signifies a weakened structure.

As a result, it is essential to work with the tank properly, including removing or attaching it from your paintball gun.

When attaching, you need to make sure it doesn’t get bumped too much during play. Also, you can use tank covers to prevent damage.

Tanks Contain Oil

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Proper storage of this part is essential

These tanks feature a fill nipple that is on top. It can take tiny amounts of oil down the hatch and into them. Some players don’t do it deliberately, but others let that happen.

But, this should not be taken lightly, as oil coming into your tank is dangerous.

It can heat up, leading to warming of the air inside this part and causing the sparking of a fire. So it is essential to ensure the fill nipple is free from oil.

Also, you must keep any liquid away from this fill nipple, and no debris pushes through the opening.

Overfilling the Tanks

The fact is that overfilling this part does not directly cause an explosion, but repeating this over and over will weaken the structure of this part.

Remember that it’s pressurized air, and you do not want to push too much of it through the tank walls.

As a result, it is essential to observe two gauges when you fill your tank. In that way, you will know the amount of air inside this part. It will also help you prevent errors if one of those gauges fails.

Failure to Hydro Check

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Hydro check ensures this part can handle pressure

These tanks can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and care. But it is wise to check them every five years.

Thanks to hydraulic testing, you can rest assured that these components can still handle the amount of pressure they were built to do. So even if the part can last up to 15 years, repairs can still happen on it.

Performing a hydrogen test is one of the most effective solutions to allow you to find out if any damage has occurred on this part to provide timely repair.

Without this testing, you will never know if the tank is still safe enough to use in the next match or not.

What Are the Dangers of Using a Paintball Tank? 

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This part can last up to 15 years

Paintball tanks have enough power to lead to harmful and intense explosions.

So if you take the above advice to keep the explosion from occurring, you can remain secure, safe, and free from worry.

Tank Care and Maintenance

Besides the factors already mentioned, proper maintenance of these tanks is necessary to keep them functional and safe.

For instance, if you notice your tank’s valve becomes unscrewed, especially during the game, you must stop immediately and fix it.

If you want to store your tank for a long time, ensure that the batteries are out before putting it in a dry and cool place. Moreover, some players prefer to put electrical tape around their terminals to reduce the occurrence of a spark.

FAQs

What is Hydro Testing?

This test ensures the tanks handle whatever type of damage or pressure occurs.

If there are any problems with their construction, hydraulic testing can pinpoint them. It will help you determine what can be done to repair your tank properly.

What’s Better for Paintball: CO2 or Air?

CO2 tanks are compact, leading to an advantage in weight and size compared to compressed air.

How Much Does It Cost to Hydrotest a Paintball Tank?

It may cost around $25 to $40 for hydraulic testing. In addition, you might have to include shipping costs, ranging from $10 to $30 if you use an online service.

What Is the Difference Between CO2 and Compressed Air?

Compressed CO2 and air are essential gaseous sources.

The main difference between compressed air and CO2 is that compressed air pressure is higher than the normal atmospheric pressure.

How Long Does a Carbon Fiber Air Tank Last?

The Carbon fiber air tank is required to be hydro tested every 5 years and has a 15-year lifespan.

The Bottom Line

When utilizing a paintball tank, you will need to take caution when playing. You may hurt any player playing on the field around you if you are not taking great care of the tank.

This part includes a lot of compressed air. So it can become severely damaged if much pressure is constantly created inside of it.

If you are unsure of the safety of your paintball tanks, do not hesitate to consult a local expert. An expert will assist you with the correct hydraulic and pressure testing advice and perform a physical inspection to determine the structural integrity of this part.